Quick connect fitting for respiratory devices

Abstract

There is provided a novel fitting having male and female ends and a tapered internal luer-type seal. The male fitting end has a periphery upon which is mounted at least one boss. The female fitting end has a slot into which the boss may be inserted. At the bottom of the slot is a stop to limit the insertion depth of the boss. The male and female ends may then be rotated relative to each other to move the boss into a window on the female end. The window has a frame and the upper frame is angled slightly, corresponding to the boss, which serves to draw the male end farther in to the female end. The window has a side frame that stops the rotational movement of the boss. When the movement of the boss is stopped, the male and female tapers are in substantially leak-free contact. There is also provided a closed suction catheter using the novel fitting, such that the catheter may be easily and quickly removed and replaced.

1. A quick connect fitting comprising a male fitting end having a body with a periphery upon which are two bosses of different sizes on opposite sides of said male fitting end, a female fitting end having slots corresponding with said bosses and into which said bosses may be advanced, a stop on said female fitting end to limit the insertion depth of said bosses into said slots, windows corresponding in size to their respective bosses into which the bosses may be rotatably moved from said slots to draw said male and female fitting ends closer together, and corresponding luer tapers on said male and female fitting ends. 
     
     
       2. A quick connect fitting comprising a male fitting end having a body with a periphery upon which is a boss, a female fitting end having a slot corresponding with said boss and into which said boss may be advanced, a stop on said female fitting end to limit the insertion depth of said boss into said slot, a window into which the boss may be rotatably moved from said slot to draw said male and female fitting ends closer together, and corresponding luer tapers on said male and female fitting ends, wherein said luer tapers are made from an elastomeric material.